Solskjaer needs top-four finish to cement United position, says Berbatov

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should no longer be seen as a transitional figure at Old Trafford, but only a top-four Premier League finish would cement his position at the club, former striker Dimitar Berbatov said.

United were in fifth place when the Premier League ground to a halt because of the Covid-19 pandemic in March, but were on a five-game unbeaten run and only three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Berbatov, who won two Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, believes Solskjaer has the support of the United hierarchy to rebuild the squad but needs results to end speculation about his future.

“It’s massive for United to finish in the top four,” Berbatov said in an interview with Betfair.

“It will give confidence to the manager.

“We all know he gets criticised and put under pressure and people are constantly speculating about his position, but this would cement him in the job.

“He shouldn’t be seen as a transition figure any more, it’s disrespectful, it shows him no respect for what he is doing in his position.”

With Manchester City facing a European ban for breaching Uefa financial rules, instead of needing to finish in the topfour to claim a Champions League spot, fifth is likely to suffice.

Berbatov said United’s players must hit the ground running when they face Tottenham Hotspur in their first match back tomorrow to lay the groundwork for the season run-in.